Short answer: not much. A standard homeowners policy gives very limited liability coverage for an ATV or side-by-side (UTV). It usually gives no coverage for damage to the machine itself. If you ride, you’ll want a separate ATV policy.
Why homeowners insurance doesn’t cover your ATV
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Many homeowners policies are based on a standard form called the ISO HO 3. That form treats ATVs and side-by-sides as “motor vehicles,” and motor vehicles are handled very differently from your other belongings.
Damage to the ATV itself. The HO 3 form leaves motor vehicles out of personal property coverage. There’s a narrow exception for unregistered vehicles used only to service your home (think a riding mower) or designed to assist someone with a disability. A recreational ATV or UTV doesn’t fit either one. So if it’s stolen from your garage, burned in a fire or crushed by a tree, your home policy likely won’t pay to replace it.
Injuries or damage you cause while riding. The HO 3 form only covers liability for an ATV you own if the accident happens on your “insured location,” which generally means your own property. Ride on a trail, a friend’s land or the road, and your home policy likely won’t respond. If someone sues you after a trail accident, you could be on your own.
Every policy is worded a little differently. Ask your agent to show you the motor vehicle sections of your policy.
What an ATV policy can cover
A separate ATV or off-road policy is built for these machines. Depending on the company, it can include:
- Liability: pays if you hurt someone or damage their property while riding.
- Collision: pays to fix your ATV after a crash or rollover, after your deductible.
- Theft, fire and other damage: pays if your ATV is stolen or damaged when you’re not riding it.
- Medical payments: helps with medical bills after an accident.
- Uninsured motorist: helps if someone without enough insurance hits you.
- Accessories: helps cover add-ons like winches, plows or custom parts.
Not every company offers every option, so ask what’s included.
Do you need ATV insurance if you only ride at home?
Your home policy may give some liability coverage on your own land. But it still won’t pay to repair or replace the ATV. If you have a loan on the ATV, your lender will likely want physical damage coverage too. And if friends or kids ride, an injury claim is a real risk.
What about an umbrella policy?
An umbrella policy adds liability coverage on top of your other policies. If you ride, ask your agent how your umbrella treats ATVs and what liability limits the ATV policy needs underneath it.
What affects the price
ATV insurance price depends on the machine, how and where you ride, who rides and the coverage you pick. Ask about discounts. Some companies offer discounts for bundling or for taking an approved safety course.
The bottom line
Don’t count on your homeowners policy for your ATV or side-by-side. It likely won’t pay for damage to the machine and may not cover you off your property. A separate ATV policy fills those gaps.
Want us to look at coverage for your ATV or side-by-side? Call or text us at 330-486-8404. We work with carriers like National General, Progressive and Foremost, and more, and we’ll try to save you money.
Kaufman Insurance Group is an Ohio-based independent agency with agency licenses in Ohio and North Carolina. Contact us to shop multiple top carriers.
FAQs
What is an ATV or side-by-side?
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and a side-by-side (also known as a UTV or utility task vehicle) are both off-road vehicles designed for recreational or utility use. ATVs are typically single-rider vehicles, while side-by-sides can carry passengers.
Is my ATV or side-by-side covered under my homeowners insurance?
Usually not much. Most homeowners policies don’t pay for damage to an ATV and only cover liability for an owned ATV on your own property. Check your policy with your agent.
How can I insure my ATV or side-by-side?
You will need a separate ATV policy or an off-road vehicle policy. These policies can provide coverage for liability, collision, theft and other damage, and other risks that come with off-road vehicles.
What factors can affect the cost of insuring my ATV or side-by-side?
The cost can depend on the vehicle’s make and model, how you use it (recreational or work), your driving record, the coverage limits you choose and where you ride.
Are there any discounts for insuring my ATV or side-by-side?
Some insurance companies offer discounts, such as multi-policy discounts for bundling your ATV policy with other policies, safety course discounts for completing an approved ATV safety course, and discounts for certain safety features.
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Outside Ohio, or need RV, boat or business insurance?
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